The petroleum sector dominates the economy, accounting for roughly a third of GDP, around 80% of export earnings, and more than half of government operating revenues. Venezuelan officials estimate that GDP grew by 3.2% in 2000. A strong rebound in international oil prices fueled the recovery from the steep recession in 1999. Nevertheless, a weak nonoil sector and capital flight undercut the recovery. The bolivar is widely believed to be overvalued by as much as 50%. The government is still rebuilding after massive flooding and landslides in December 1999 caused an estimated $15 billion to $20 billion in damage.
Industry:
petroleum, iron ore mining, construction materials, food processing, textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly
Ethnicgroups:
Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Arab, German, African, indigenous people
Vaccination requirements:
No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
Malaria:
Malaria risk due to P. vivax exists throughout the year in some rural areas of Apure, Amazonas, Barinas, Bolívar, Sucre and Táchira states. Risk of P. falciparum malaria is restricted to municipalities in jungle areas of Amazonas (Atabapo), Bolívar (Cedeńo, Gran Sabana, Raul Leoni, Sifontes and Sucre) and Delta Amacuro (Antonia Diaz, Casacoima and Pedernales). Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum confirmed in the interior of Amazonas state.
